Support structure for plural cell electrolyzer

Abstract

A retaining and restraining support structure for a plural cell electrolyzer is comprised of a sleeper assembly for supporting the electrolyzer cell along its longitudinal dimension, and a tension bar assembly for maintaining each of the cells in a substantially vertical plane, while insuring good mechanical connection and fluid communication therebetween, wherein the tension bar assembly includes plural longitudinal, adjustable tension bars and diagonal, adjustable tie bars.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A retaining and restraining support structure for a plural cell electrolyzer, comprising: (a) a sleeper assembly for supporting an electrolyzer cell vertically beneath the longitudinal dimension thereof;   (b) retaining support means for applying a longitudinal compressive force on the individual cells constituting said electrolyzer cell, comprising: (i) terminal electrolyzer cell end frames;   (ii) a plurality of adjustable, longitudinal tension bars disposed between said end frames; and,     (c) restraining support means for applying an oblique stabilizing force on said electrolyzer cell for maintaining the individual cells constituting the same in substantially vertical orientation, said restraining support means including adjustable, diagonal tie bar means extending from one of said end frames to a horizontally displaced anchor point.   
     
     
       2. The electrolyzer support of claim 1, wherein said diagonal tie bar means comprise a pair of adjustable tie bars. 
     
     
       3. The electrolyzer support of claim 2, wherein said anchor point lies on a horizontal extension of said sleeper assembly. 
     
     
       4. The electrolyzer support of claim 2, wherein each of said tension bars and said tie bars is comprised of plural bar members joined in end-to-end relationship by a union member. 
     
     
       5. The electrolyzer support of claim 3, wherein eight of said tension bars comprise said retaining support means, said tension bars disposed in sets of two on each of four sides of a substantially rectangular electrolyzer cell. 
     
     
       6. The electrolyzer support of claim 5, wherein said end frames include hanger members for fixation of said tension bars. 
     
     
       7. The electrolyzer support of claim 4, wherein said union member is a turnbuckle.